New Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) for Seafood in Australian Foodservice
New Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) for Seafood in Australian Foodservice
From 1 July 2025, big changes are on the horizon for how seafood origin is communicated in hospitality. As a valued PFD customer, we want to ensure you’re informed and ready for this shift in the Australian foodservice industry.
What’s Changing?
The Australian Government is introducing mandatory Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) for seafood in hospitality venues. This applies to restaurants, cafés, pubs, clubs, takeaway shops, hotels, and even food trucks.
Businesses will need to clearly indicate the origin of seafood dishes using the simple “AIM” model:
A – Australian: Seafood entirely sourced from Australia
I – Imported: Seafood entirely sourced internationally
M – Mixed: Dishes containing a mix of Australian and imported seafood
These labels must be clearly visible to consumers—on menus, menu boards, display signage, and online ordering platforms.
Why It Matters for Your Business
Consumer demand for transparency – Diners want to know where their seafood comes from.
Building trust and loyalty – Clear labelling demonstrates honesty and accountability.
Supporting Australian seafood – Customers can easily identify and choose local options.
Avoiding penalties – Compliance will be mandatory, so preparing early is key.
Key Dates You Need to Know
1 July 2025 – Implementation begins
Businesses can start applying CoOL voluntarily.1 July 2026 – Compliance is mandatory
All seafood-serving venues must use the AIM labelling model from this date.
This 12-month transition period gives operators time to adjust, update menus, and train staff.
How PFD Can Help You Adapt
We’re here to make compliance simple and seamless for you:
For “A” – Australian Seafood
Fresh, wild-caught options like Snapper, Flathead, and King Prawns direct from Australian boats.
Premium aquaculture such as Humpty Doo Barramundi, known for quality and sustainability.
For “I” – Imported Seafood
Our trusted Neptune range offers consistent, high-quality frozen seafood from international suppliers.
A smart way to balance menu pricing while meeting customer expectations.
For “M” – Mixed Seafood
Guidance on labelling mixed dishes (e.g. seafood platters with local prawns and imported calamari).
Support in selecting the right product combinations to suit your menu.
Practical Support We Offer
Menu review assistance – Identify where CoOL applies and what updates are needed.
Education resources – Access government guidelines, posters, and explanatory materials.
Staff training support – Help your team understand and communicate the AIM model to customers.
We recommend starting now to ensure a smooth transition and to position your business as a leader in transparency and customer trust.
Useful Resources
This is one of the biggest shifts in foodservice labelling in recent years. By acting early and leveraging PFD’s support, you can turn compliance into a competitive advantage—showcasing quality, building customer trust, and proudly promoting Australian seafood.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is a general guide only and is based on details shared by the Australian Government as of July 2025
Businesses are responsible for ensuring their own compliance with Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) regulations. For official requirements and guidance, please refer to business.gov.au/seafoodlabels.